Method and compositions to deliver variable quantities of flavor from filtered cigarettes

ABSTRACT

A filter element for a smoking article is described herein. The filter element may include at least one filter segment, the at least one filter segment comprising one or more flavoring or fragrancing particles configured to flavor or fragrance an aerosol from the smoking article, wherein the one or more flavoring or fragrancing particles are configured to adjustably release flavor or fragrance upon receipt of a pressure applied to the at least one filter segment while rolling the filter between fingers of a smoker, and wherein the quantity of flavor or fragrance released is proportional to an amount of pressure applied while rolling the filter. Thus, a user is able to control the amount of flavoring or fragrance provided during a smoking experience.

CROSS REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/648,325, filed May 17, 2012,titled “METHOD AND COMPOSITIONS TO DELIVER VARIABLE QUANTITIES OF FLAVORFROM FILTERED CIGARETTES,” the disclosure of which is hereby expresslyincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention elates generally to a method and composition forcontrolled delivery of a flavorant into an aerosol and, moreparticularly, to a pressure sensitive encapsulated flavorant materialand methods for the selective delivery of the flavorant to an aerosol.

BACKGROUND

Cigarettes are typically flavored by treating the tobacco with approvedflavorants (such as menthol) as part of the manufacturing processwherein upon smoking the cigarette the flavorant is delivered in themainstream smoke. Typically, the amount of flavorant delivered iscorrelated to the quantity of tar delivered on a puff by puff basis. Theoverall flavor intensity is typically dependent upon the total appliedlevels of flavorant during manufacturing and the cigarette design,specifically air dilution in the filter.

It is known that the filter design can affect the release and transferrates of the flavorants into the mainstream smoke. For example, highlyair diluted cigarette filters tend to lower the transfer rate ofvolatile flavorants such as menthol. As a result, typical conventionalcigarette designs do not allow for variable/adjustable delivery offlavors during smoking and thus the overall balance of flavorant todelivery is relatively constant during consumption.

Of particular interest is the ability to increase the amount of or typeof flavorants during smoking to provide the added consumer benefit ofoffering a different and/or augmented flavor at any time duringconsumption. As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,836,895, one prior attemptto increase menthol flavor prior to, during, or after smoking thecigarette involves breaking a single encapsulated bead located in thefilter that contains a liquid flavorant composition. However, once thebead is broken the amount of flavor released is not adjustable at anytime during use. Data generated indicate that at least 10 pounds ofdirect pressure are required to break the single bead in the filter. Inaddition, data collected on deliveries of total particulate matter (TAP)using industry accepted protocols, indicate a 20% increase in TPMdelivery once the bead is crushed. Lack of control of TAP may be adirect result of deforming the cigarette filter during the “crushing”process. Other possibilities for lack of TAP control are delivery of thediluent that is present in the beads or decreased filtration efficiencydue to coating of the fibers by the diluent,

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0271968 discloses use of aplurality of beads in a cavity-based filter system to allow the consumerto squeeze and crush the beads to varying degrees for more control offlavor intensity. However, cavity-based filter systems are undesirablefrom a manufacturing standpoint. Further, the beads comprise anencapsulated liquid flavor carrier having a typical total added weightas high as 200 mg. This may represent as much as 40 mg of liquid carrierthat might wet the filter fibers causing issues with consistent TAPdelivery and visual appeal. Further, the liquid might deliver into thesmoke stream. In addition, the flavorant has a specified relativelocation to other filter additives; i.e. the flavorant must bepositioned downstream from adsorbents which reduces flexibility incigarette design options.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention disclosed in this document describes a cigarette filterdesign, composition, and method of use to release encapsulated flavorantcompositions from a plurality of micro-beads (e.g., powder) contained inthe filter wherein the amount of flavorant delivered prior to, during,or after use can be controlled, allowing customization of flavor tasteon a puff by puff basis.

According to some aspects of the invention, a filter element for asmoking article is provided. The filter element may include at least onefilter segment, the at least one filter segment comprising one or loreflavoring or fragrancing particles configured to flavor or fragrance anaerosol from the smoking article, wherein the one or more flavoring orfragrancing particles are configured to adjustably release flavor orfragrance upon receipt of a pressure applied to the at least one filtersegment while rolling the filter between fingers of a smoker, andwherein the quantity of flavor or fragrance released is proportional toan amount of pressure applied while rolling the filter.

The one or more flavoring or fragrancing particles may be configured asa filter mechanism.

At least one flavoring or fragrancing particle may be of a differenttype than at least one other flavoring or fragrancing particle.

The one or more flavoring or fragrancing particles may be integratedwithin fibers of the filter segment.

The one or more flavoring or fragrancing particles may be coated with ashell, the shell allowing the adjustable release of the flavor orfragrance.

The shell may include at least one of gum acacia, xanthan gum, modifiedstarch, cyclodextrin, gelatin, and polysaccharides carbohydrate.

The shell may be an impermeable and breakable shell configured torelease the flavor or fragrance once fully or partially broken inproportion to the amount of pressure applied while rolling the filter.

At least one of the one or more flavoring or fragrancing particles mayinclude a menthol flavorant or fragrance.

At least one of the one or more flavoring or fragrancing particles maybe an encapsulated powder.

The at least one of the one or more flavoring or fragrancing particlesmay have a powder loading of 0.1 to 10 mg per mm of filter length.

At least one of the one or more flavoring or fragrancing particles mayinclude an encapsulated powder containing 2 to 90% flavorant orfragrance.

At least one of the one or more flavoring or fragrancing particles maybe configured to provide a pressure drop in the filtering element withinthe range of 10 to 130 mm of water.

The at least one filter segment may include an outer wrapping, the outerwrapping having one or more visual instructions printed thereonproviding instructions for rolling the fitter.

The one or more flavoring or fragrancing particles may be configured torelease no flavorant or fragrance until rolling pressure is applied.

The one or more flavoring or fragrancing particles may be configured torelease a defined initial amount of flavorant or fragrance without anapplication of rolling pressure, and to increase the amount of flavorantor fragrance released in proportion to the amount of pressure applied.

In some aspects of the invention, a method for adjustably releasingflavoring or fragrancing particles as part of a smoking experience isprovided. The method may include providing a smoking article having afiltering element comprising one or more flavoring or fragrancingparticles configured to flavor or fragrance aerosol from the smokingarticle; and causing one or more of the flavoring or fragrancingparticles to adjustably release flavor or fragrance upon receipt ofpressure or heat applied to the at least one filter segment, wherein thequantity of flavor or fragrance released is proportional to an amount ofpressure or heat applied to the at first one filter segment.

In accordance with some aspects of the invention, a filter element foran aerosol device is provided. The filter element may include a firstfilter segment having a plurality of flavorant beads of a firstflavorant type; and a second filter segment having a second plurality offlavorant beads of a second flavorant type, wherein the first pluralityof flavorant beads and the second plurality of flavorant beads areconfigured to adjustably flavor an aerosol upon receipt of a pressureapplied to the first filter segment or the second filter segment, thepressure being sufficient to activate the first plurality of flavorantbeads or the second plurality of beads.

The first plurality of flavorant beads or the second plurality offlavorant beads may be configured to adjustably release flavor uponreceipt of a pressure applied through rolling of the first or secondfilter segment between fingers of a smoker.

The first or second plurality of flavorant beads may be configured toflavor the aerosol in direct proportion to the applied pressure.

The first or second plurality of flavorant beads may be integratedwithin fibers of the filter element.

The filter element may include a plug wrap, wherein the first or secondplurality of flavorant beads is deposited on the surface of the plugwrap.

The filter element may include a multi-layer plug wrap, wherein thefirst or the second plurality of flavorant beads are deposited betweenat least a first layer of the multi-layer plug wrap and a second layerof the multi-layer plug wrap.

The first or second plurality of flavorant beads may each comprise ashell that is broken to provide adjustable controlled release offlavorant.

The first or second plurality of flavorant beads may comprise mentholflavorant.

The first type of flavorant may react with the second type of flavorantto release a flavorant to the aerosol.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood after a reading of the followingdescription of the preferred embodiments when considered with thedrawings in which:

FIGS. 1A-1C are schematics of three exemplary aspects of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic showing the deposition of pressure sensitiveencapsulated flavor particles between two flexible carrier substratesaccording to principles of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic showing various embodiments of a flexible banddesigned for enabling the delivery of pressure sensitive encapsulatedflavor particles according to principles of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic of a multiple segment filter according toprinciples of the present invention having two different fragrancematerials;

FIG. 5 is a schematic of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a chart showing particle count released to the air forcigarettes embodying the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a chart demonstrating the total amounts of menthol deliveredby an embodiment of the present invention under different flavordelivery activation conditions;

FIG. 12 is a graph showing the puff-by-puff menthol delivery by anembodiment of the present invention under different flavor deliveryactivation conditions;

FIG. 13 a is a chart showing the flavor release levels of variousembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 13 b is a chart showing the removal of gas phase components of anembodiment of the present invention before and after flavor deliveryactivation;

FIG. 14 is a chart showing the flavor delivery of two embodiments of thepresent invention under different flavor delivery activation conditions;

FIG. 15 is a chart showing the flavor delivery of five embodiments ofthe present invention under different flavor delivery activationconditions;

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings in general, it will be understood that theillustrations are for the propose of describing preferred embodiments ofthe invention and are not intended to limit the invention thereto.

The present invention is directed to a cigarette filter design,composition, and method of use to release encapsulated flavorantcompositions from a plurality of particles which are responsive topressure and friction, such as solid/semi-solid micro-beads or similarflavorant carrier structures (i.e. powders, open ended hollow fibers,microgels, etc. contained in the filter wherein the amount of mentholdelivered prior to, during, or after use of the cigarette can becontrolled, allowing customization of flavor taste on a puff by puffbasis. Additionally, solid flavorants, such as powder or pellets, thatrespond to friction and air flow for vaporization may also be included.In addition to providing flavorant, the particles may be additionally oralternatively configured to provide a fragrancing effect. Unlessotherwise noted herein, embodiments of the invention described hereinwith respect to the use of flavorants are equally applicable to the useof fragrancing particles.

According to principles of the present invention, flavorant is releasedas desired when smoking by rolling/twisting the flavorant-containingcigarette filter between one's fingers white applying slight pressure,sufficient to hold the article between the finger(s) and thumb whiterolling. Accordingly, the consumer can opt for no flavor delivery or alow flavor delivery, and choose if and when to increase the amount offlavor. The quantity of flavor released is proportional to the amount ofpressure applied while rolling the filter between he finger and thumband/or the number of rolls. The technology uses rolling motion whileapplying pressure to the filter to deliver variable quantities offlavors during smoking based on the preferences of the adult consumer.

FIGS. 1A-1C show three example configurations of a cigarette embodyingaspects of the present invention. As seen in FIG. 1A, a cigarette mayinclude a tobacco column 102, a first filter segment 104, and one ormore second, optional filter segments 106. First filter segment 104 mayinclude a plurality of flavoring particles 105 configured to flavor thesmoke from tobacco column 102. In accordance with some aspects of theinvention, the flavoring particles may act as an additional filteringmedium for the smoke. Optional filter segments 106 may contain otherflavor releasing ingredients, gas, and/or particulate abatementtechnologies.

First filter segment 104 may contain cellulose acetate (CA) tow, and theflavoring particles 105 may include, for example, encapsulated flavorantcompositions such as an encapsulated powder containing a 2-90 wt %flavorant. In some aspects, the flavoring particles may includeencapsulated flavorant compositions, such as solid flavorants, having100% flavorant in the case of unencapsulated solid flavors. Theflavoring particles 105 may be added such that desirable functionalcharacteristics of the first filter segment 104 are maintained (i.e.pressure drop, TAP, etc.) while achieving powder loadings of 0.1 to 10mg per mm of filter length. In some aspects, the encapsulate loading ispreferably within the range of 1 to 7 mg per mm CA tow, and mostpreferably within the range of 2 to 5 mg per mm CA tow. Whereencapsulated particles are used in the aggregate, the encapsulateaggregate size may be 20 to more than 4000 um, for example, with apreferred size of 20-1000 um, with a size of 300 um being mostpreferred.

The encapsulate flavor compositions may, for example, be in the form ofa single particle type or an aggregate of a plurality of particle types.Example flavorings/fragrances may include, for example, menthol andmenthol mixtures, vanilla, coffee, chocolate, cream, mint, spearmint,peppermint, wintergreen, lavender, cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove,cascarilla, sandalwood, honey, jasmine, ginger, anise, sage, licorice,lemon, orange, apple, peach, lime, cherry, strawberry, and eucalyptus,among other flavors/fragrances. In general, the practice of thisinvention is not limited to specific fragrance/flavor but includesflavors/fragrances mixtures and mixtures of encapsulate materials todesign customer desired fragrance/taste profiles, such as the use ofBrazilian and synthetic menthol mixture or other flavor/fragrancecombinations.

The first filter segment 104 may contain the plurality ofmicro-encapsulated beads (free flowing powder, or optionallyfully/partially agglomerated powders), and may be constructed fromtraditional materials such as cellulose acetate tow fibers or othersynthetic/natural fibers. Likewise the filter web can be manufacturedfrom bundles of longitudinally oriented fibers or from fibrillatednatural or synthetic fibers. Furthermore, non-traditional filtermaterials can also be used as the primary material of construction, suchas fibrous cellulose, sheet, strips, spheres or any symmetric/asymmetricshapes. The preferred flavor material disclosed has been demonstrated tohave effectiveness as a filtering media.

Likewise, filter media can also consist of polymer based materials, suchas divinyl benzene-co-styrene, or singular polymer compositions such asstyrene. In addition, suitable fitter materials consist of tobaccotraditionally used in the tobacco column. In this instance, theadditional benefit of imparting additional flavor can be achieved withrespect to the practice of the invention.

In some aspects of the invention, as shown in FIG. 1B, first filtersegment 104 may include a plug wrap 110. Preferably, the plug wrap 110for the filter section 104 comprises at least one metallized layer thatimparts heating or cooling to the filter segment depending on the degreeof ventilation. The metallized plug wrap 110 is also referred to hereinas a “foil plugwrap” or “FP.” One or more ventilation holes 108 may alsobe included. As seen in FIG. 1B, first filter segment 104 may be placedbetween two optional filter segments 106. The two optional filtersegments 106 shown in FIG. 1B may be comprised of the same filtrationmaterials, in some aspects, or may be comprised of different filtrationmaterials. As seen in FIGS. 1A-1C, the overall length of the firstfilter segment 104 may be adjusted, and combined with additionaltraditional filter segment(s) 106. Furthermore, the flavoring particles105 may be incorporated between the filter and tobacco column, in someaspects of the invention. In other aspects of the invention, theflavoring particles 105 may be incorporated into the tobacco column 102,such as, for example, in the tipping paper overlapping section (e.g.,under the filter tipping paper).

The micro encapsulated powder composition may comprise a singular flavoror a plurality of flavorants. Likewise, encapsulated powders ofdiffering composition can be combined to create unique flavorcombinations that may not otherwise be possible due to incompatibilityissues.

Furthermore, the encapsulated flavorants of differing type canoptionally, and intentionally, react with each other upon practice ofthe invention to create an additional benefit such as self-heating,self-cooling, or alteration of vapor pressure of the individualencapsulated ingredients. Likewise, the fragrance in the encapsulatescan be releasable by either heat, water, or any of the smoke streamcomponents, or by the vaporizing action of the turbulence of the smokeacross the materials. The quantities, particle size, and distribution ofparticle sizes can be adjusted to accommodate and further enablepractice of the invention. For example, a combination of particle sizesor of different particle hardness and/or texture has the potential tofurther facilitate the practice of the invention. The fragrancecontaining matrices could also be semi-solids or gel-like materialswhich when subjected to the mechanical pressure of the activationmechanism release the fragrance partially or in totality to the smokestream.

Tables 1 and 2 provide examples of the amount of flavorant (such asmenthol) released in proportion to the number of finger rolls or thefinger pressure applied to the filter.

TABLE 1 Number of finger roll None 1 2 3 4 5+ Released menthol 12 or 1836 54 72 90+ (ug/mg TPM) none

TABLE 2 Finger pressure g/(50 mm{circumflex over ( )}2 finger area) 0250 750 1000 1250 Max Released menthol Minimum 38 56 68 88 Maximum(ug/mg TPM) or none

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the plug wrap may comprise a single layer or ahi-layer material wherein the encapsulated fragrance/flavorant isdeposited either on the surface of the single layer or between thebi-layers. As shown in FIG. 2, the encapsulated fragrance/flavorant maycomprise two different types of micro encapsulated material, which maybe designed to react with each other upon applied pressure. In addition,the layer material can optionally be porous, non-porous, metallized foilor any combination thereof, suitable to be used as plug wrap orincorporated in the plug wrap. The resulting composition and arrangementis suitable for filter fabrication using known manufacturing techniques.

FIG. 3 shows another aspect of the invention comprising a flexible bandor sleeve 304 disposed around the functional, flavor delivering sectionof the filter 302. Such a ring type band can be made of any plastic typematerial, natural, synthetic, biodegradable, composite, or multi-layeredlaminate, having appropriate mechanical properties. For example, theband must be sufficiently rigid yet flexible as to allow deformation,yet return to the original shape once the deformation forces applied tothe circumference is removed. The band material can be rigidly affixedto the tipping paper so that it does not move upon use and as a furtherbenefit, assists in returning the cigarette filter to the original shapeafter compression. Likewise it can be of sufficient thickness to providedesired resistivity to compression forces applied to the axial dimension(across he diameter). In some aspects, the band may be a wrap that iswrapped around the flavor delivering section of the filter 302.

As further illustrated in FIG. 3, the external surface of the flexibleband 304 may have ridged or raised features, random or systematic, toprovide a desirable tactile feel and enable the application offrictional force upon rolling. Similarly, the interior surface of theflexible band may be a textured surface having ridges or raised featuresto facilitate the release of the flavorant. Furthermore, the band canhave holes or regions to allow airflow through the band to facilitateair dilution in low tar cigarettes. In addition, the band can havechannels on the inside surface that can guide air around the band intothe air dilution holes. This has the added benefit of preventingblocking of air dilution holes by the smoker. Lastly, encapsulatedfragrances can be deposited in the channel(s) of the band, wherein uponapplying pressure to the circumference, flavor is released. In thismanner flavor wilt be drawn into the mainstream smoke via theventilation holes. This element has particular utility in that differentflavors can be added to a single cigarette type by attaching the “flavorband.” The band can also have added logos, color patterns, etc. foradditional cosmetic distinction.

This featuree can assist in delaminating a bi-layer construction thatcontains the encapsulated flavors and improve in single layerconfiguration, thus enhancing the overall release. Furthermore, thisfeature can assist in preventing over deformation of the filtermaterial, preserving the original filter functionality. The inventioncan be used or combined with any flavor releasing technology to improvethe overall utility and efficacy of the cigarette filter.

In some aspects of the invention, the band or another portion of thefilter may include markings instructing a user of the cigarette on howto roll the cigarette in order to release the flavorant. For example,the markings may include arrows indicating the direction the fingersshould be rolled. Any other type of visual, instruction providingelement may also be used.

The present invention is not limited to having the fragrance/flavorrelease material in a single filter segment. The releasing material canbe compartmentalized, as shown in FIG. 4, where independent filtersegments are used to carry the various potential embodiments for thisinvention. For example, two functionalized filter segments can havedifferent concentrations of releasing material such that the consumerhas the option of rolling in one or another section to change the tasteor the amount of the released fragrance/flavors.

In addition, the filter could be designed with concentric ring(s) ofreleasing material carrying filter web, as shown in FIG. 5. This designallows for different flavor and fragrance types in each ring and givethe consumer the ability to change the proportion/variety/tone of thedelivered flavor/fragrance by increasing the strength of the fingerpressure/rolling mechanical action. Any/all of the disclosed formulation(i.e., non-reactive, different flavor/fragrances, reactive encapsulates,etc.) as well as metallized foil(s) of ring layer(s) mentioned above isapplicable to this embodiment. Note that polymeric beads/absorbentcarbon particles could be used in all/some of the concentric layers tocontrol the chemical component distributions in the delivered smoke.

As shown in FIG. 6, the filter segment may comprise a plurality of smallflavor/fragrant particles inserted among the fiber of the cigarettefilter. The particles may be substantially the same size. Alternately,the particles may include a range/plurality of sizes having a narrow orwide size distribution to obtain a wide range of fragrance delivery. Thespecific flavor/fragrance composition/formulation(s) can be varied basedon the cigarette desired performance as long as they respond to frictionand pressure.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, group(s) of small flavor/fragrant particlesmay be dispersed on a filter web and formed by a mixture of mechanicallyfragile particles. The mix is formed by a first group containing areactive material and the second group containing unique/differentfragrances/flavors. The shell of the second group can react with thereactive material contained in the first group—as shown in the left sideof FIG. 7. No flavor is delivered unless the shells of the reactivecontaining particles are partially/fully broken. Then the releasedmaterial from the first group reacts with the shell of the second groupto release a fragrance/flavor—as shown in the right side of FIG. 7. Thisis not limited to a reaction on the second group of particle shells butthe first particle group could contain a chemical that, upon reactionwith a second chemical in the second group of particle, can from afragrance/flavor. In addition both groups can contain reactive materialto produce a fragrance/flavor.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, group(s) of small flavor/fragrant particlesmay be coated with an impermeable but breakable or soft shell to allowfor control for either off/on or adjustable delivery offlavor/fragrances(s). No flavor is delivered unless the shells arepartially/fully broke. After the shells are broken/tom, the level offlavor delivered is controlled by the extent of rolling/finger pressing.Formulations applicable to form a shell/core structure for the practiceof this invention are known in the arts as those containing gum acacia,xanthan and similar gums, modified starch mixes, cyclodextrin based,gelatin based, and polysaccharides carbohydrates such as pectin as wellas poly vinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, and their fixtures. Inaddition, other shell forming methods include encapsulating cross-linkedpolymers with the flavorant therein, wherein the encapsulatedcross-linked polymer forms a polymer-rich outer region and theflavorant/fragrance forms a flavorant/fragrance-rich core region; forexample, using as a shell polyvinyl alcohol/acetate, ethylene/vinylacetate copolymers mixtures or similar mixtures. These examples are notlimited but include others known in the arts for the formation of ashell in a shell/core structure to encapsulate fragrance/flavorsaggregates.

An alternative solution shown in FIG. 9 is a smallbladder+valve/atomizer inside the filter that can be compressedrepeatedly to adjust flavor release.

The present invention relies on friction and pressure or multiplanarpressure, not just single plane/direct pressure, to release flavorantsfrom encapsulates or other structured materials wherein they are friableunder mechanical stress. An advantage is that release or additionalrelease of flavor is intentional on the part of the consumer. Releasedue to inadvertent pressure during manufacture or storage is thusavoided/

To that end, the physical characteristics of the preferred embodiment ofencapsulated flavors in powder form, impact the total and puff by puffmenthol deliveries. Therefore an apparent relationship exists betweenthe physical nature of the flavor delivery material, the quantity ofencapsulated material incorporated into the filter, physicalconstruction of the filter, dimensions of the fitter tow, and the fitterperformance in reducing the particulate material of mainstream smoke.Relevant to this invention, physical nature of the encapsulated menthol(flavorant/fragrance) powder, namely the extent of particle aggregation,agglomeration size, and primary particle size impact the mentholdelivery. Preferably, the particle size is and/or efficacy of the filtermedia is sufficient that flavor material particles do not release fromthe filter upon normal use conditions. FIG. 10 illustrates particlerelease data from unlit cigarettes as measured by light scattering usinga Lasair II Laser Particle Counter Model 510A instrumentation (Filtrona,UK) to determine particle count released (0.5 to 25 um) under a constantflow rate of 1.05 L/min (30s) to simulate cigarette smoking. The filterscontained 3 mg of encapsulated powder per mm of cellulose acetate towoptionally adhered to the fibers using triacetin plasticizer during themanufacturing process. As seen in FIG. 10, the particle transfer for theflavorant-containing prototype is similar to that of the reference andcontrol cigarettes.

The methods described herein allow for the consumer to have the optionto adjust the flavor delivered from a cigarette from no or passiveflavor/fragrance delivery to a delivery condition that includes theability to have incrementally higher level of flavor/fragrance deliverywithout deforming the fitter and subsequently reducing the filtrationefficiency. TAP deliveries have been shown to be within typicalvariability among non-treated replicates when measured using industryaccepted protocols for each of the non-limiting examples presented.

The effectiveness of this method and composition to deliver variabletotal menthol from a cigarette filter as compared to conventionalmenthol technologies and other flavor delivery technologies isillustrated in FIG. 11. The graph of FIG. 11 shows example results ofapplied rolling pressure on the total release of menthol from acigarette constructed with an embodiment of the filter technologydescribed herein. The data illustrate the quantitative effect ofincreased rolling pressure on the total menthol release from the flavorcontaining filter. As shown at 1104, as the rolling pressure increaseson the filter, the quantity of total menthol delivered per cigaretteincreases proportionally, in accordance with principles of the presentinvention. In addition, when the flavor containing filter is subjectedto direct, non-rolling pressure (normal force), as shown at 1106, noadditional flavorant is released, further demonstrating the utility ofthe rolling under slight pressure. In conventional flavor deliverymethods, as shown at 1108, the amount of flavor delivered when pressureis applied is substantially the same as when no pressure is applied.Moreover, as shown at 1110, in one prior art flavor deliver method, oncea flavor particle has been crushed, the amount of flavor deliveredremains substantially constant irrespective of the number of rollsapplied to the filter. To that end, it is not possible to increase oralter the total flavor delivery from cigarettes constructed andfabricated using traditional or other prior art methods to applyflavorants to the tobacco. In those methods, the flavor cannot bealtered or varied once the “flavor bead” has been broken, nor doesrolling under pressure method, described herein, alter the totaldelivered menthol from the cigarettes in either case.

While FIG. 11 shows, at 1102 for example, that some flavorant isdelivered when no rolling pressure is applied, encapsulated flavorantcompositions can be formulated to only release flavorants upon rollingthe filter under pressure, thus providing a non-flavorant, variableflavorant delivery experience during smoking.

It was discovered that on a puff by puff basis, the increase in deliveryof flavor changes after rolling the filter under pressure as described.For example, rotting under pressure after the third puff increased theflavor delivery by approximately 5 times during the subsequent puff FIG.12 shows a series of samples for which the filters were rolled under thesame amount of pressure by hand at different points during the smokingof the cigarette. The data indicate that each puff can be customized topreference. The magnitude of the increase is proportional to the amountof pressure applied and number of rolls according to the methoddescribed. This function allows for improved and/or changeable puff bypuff balance based on consumer preference for the cigarette. Theconsumer experience might be largely based on the puff by puff deliveryof flavor not a total delivery of flavor per cigarette, wherein thedisclosed invention has the utility of delivering improved tasteexperience as compared to static flavor delivery technology.Furthermore, when applying a similar amount of pressure and number ofrolls, the total delivery of menthol is similar per cigarette. In theexample below, the total delivered menthol from each cigarette waswithin 12%.

FIG. 13 a demonstrates that the present invention is compatible withother active cigarette components such as foil plugwrap (FP) and afilter adsorbent. In addition, FIG. 13 b shows that use of the rollingwhile applying pressure method does not interfere with the adsorbentperformance for mainstream smoke carbonyl yield reductions. The “combo”filter design has separate filter segments for flavor and absorbentmaterial and the “hybrid” filter design has a filter segment containingboth flavor and absorbent material.

In one aspect of the present invention, the flavor delivery material canbe deposited on the filter fibers or incorporated into/on the plug wrapor tipping paper. It can be embedded in the paper or two fibers. Theadditive particles can be coated onto other filter additives such asadsorbent particles or tobacco, etc. in the filter. The mode of flavordelivery in this case relies on the rubbing pressure and frictionbetween the cellulose acetate filter and the plug wrap and/or frictionbetween flavor particles to fracture particles and release the flavor.Conversely, in the case of a bi-layer configuration as shown in FIG. 2,the layers can delaminate under rolling pressure causing the encapsulantto rupture and release the flavorant. The graph in FIG. 14 demonstratesthe utility of depositing encapsulated powders in the filter fibers oras a coating on the plugwrap under equivalent rolling pressure andnumber of rolls. Section 1402 shows encapsulated flavorant powderincorporated into the cellulose acetate filter (on the tow fibers) androlled under pressure to varying degrees. Section 1404 showsencapsulated flavorant power incorporated into the cellulose acetatefilter (on the plugwrap) and rolled under pressure to varying degrees.

Deposition of encapsulated flavor materials in or on the surfacesubstrates that can be incorporated into the plug wrap have the addedbenefit of not loading the actual filter tow with a finely dividedmaterial, and thus avoiding potential manufacturing difficulties orundesirable effects on the filter performance, such as pressure drop.

Likewise, sufficiently large encapsulant particles do not function inthe preferable manner as smatter particle/agglomerate sizes, as largeparticles alter the function of the fitters by causing non uniformpressure drop in the filter. Thus smoke will tend to flow around thelower pressure drop regions of the filter that do not contain addedencapsulates. As noted in FIG. 14, the ability of a friable encapsulantmaterial to release flavorants under rolling pressure (induced friction)can be evaluated and estimated by incorporating candidates into the plugwrap. Under those conditions, the impact on physical characteristics canbe estimated and/or controlled.

FIG. 15 illustrates the effect of particle size and agglomeration, andparticle hardness on menthol released from cigarettes equipped with thenovel flavor delivery system disclosed herein. Data indicate that anoptimal, preferable primary particle size, aggregatesize, andagglomeration size exist with respect to the physical nature of thefilter material. For example, effective menthol release was observedusing finely divided non-agglomerated encapsulated powders as comparedto agglomerated powder under the same conditions.

Likewise, the physical nature of the flavor containing material must notimpact or alter the overall intended function of the filter (i.e.delivery of total particular material, air dilution, etc.). Material Fprovided no response to the rolling while applying pressure technique asit is a material very similar in characteristics to the those beads usedin cigarettes implementing a crushing technique, such as is described inU.S. Pat. No. 7,836,895. This material responds to pressure at muchgreater forces than applied in practice of this invention. The beadswere not crushed prior rolling and did not release any flavor under therolling while applying pressure technique.

In one aspect of the present invention, a finely divided powdercontaining the payload is incorporated in the filter tow or inside ofthe plugwrap or tipping paper. The user can hold the cigarette by thefilter and firmly roll the filter between his fingers. Few and/or moregentle rolls will produce less release of flavor than more and/orstronger rolls.

In another aspect of the present invention, agglomerated powder orlarger size non-agglomerated particles is incorporated with or without ashell coating. This provides for no-release (off) if the treatment werenot applied and more varied formulations for control can allow for quickdecrease in the amount of flavor released if a person doesn't roll thecigarette again (for dial down of flavor).

It will be understood that the present invention is not limited toapplication with cigarettes, but may be used with any type of smokingarticle, as well as electronic cigarettes.

Furthermore, it will be understood that the basic concept offriction-release of fragrance/flavor/odor complexing agents isapplicable to non-cigarette applications such as use in shoe inserts,carpet fresh, massage lotion, upholstery fabric, etc.

While the invention has been described in terms of exemplaryembodiments, those skilled in the art wilt recognize that the inventioncan be practiced with modifications the spirit and scope of the appendedclaims. These examples given above are merely illustrative and are notmeant to be an exhaustive list of all possible designs, embodiments,applications or modifications of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A filter element for a smoking articlecomprising: at least one filter segment, the at least one filter segmentcomprising one or more flavoring or fragrancing particles configured toflavor or fragrance an aerosol from the smoking article, wherein the oneor more flavoring or fragrancing particles are configured to adjustablyrelease flavor or fragrance upon receipt of a pressure applied to the atleast one filter segment while rolling the filter between fingers of asmoker, wherein the quantity of flavor or fragrance released isproportional to an amount of pressure applied while rolling the filter.2. The filter element of claim 1, wherein the one or more flavoring orfragrancing particles are configured as a filter mechanism.
 3. Thefilter element of claim 1 comprising at least one flavoring orfragrancing particle of a different type than at least one otherflavoring or fragrancing particle.
 4. The filter element of claim 1,wherein the one or more flavoring or fragrancing particles areintegrated within fibers of the filter segment.
 5. The filter element ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more flavoring or fragrancing particles arecoated with a shell, the shell allowing the adjustable release of theflavor or fragrance.
 5. The filter element of claim 4, wherein the shellcomprises at least one of gum acacia, xanthan gum, modified starch,cyclodextrin, gelatin, and polysaccharides carbohydrate,
 6. The filterelement of claim 4, wherein the shell in an impermeable and breakableshell configured to release the flavor or fragrance once fully orpartially broken in proportion to the amount of pressure applied whilerolling the filter.
 7. The filter element of claim 1, wherein at leastone of the one or more flavoring or fragrancing particles comprises amenthol flavorant or fragrance.
 8. The filter element of claim 1,wherein at least one of the one or more flavoring or fragrancingparticles is an encapsulated powder.
 9. The filter element of claim 8,wherein the at least one of the one or more flavoring or fragrancingparticles has a powder loading of 0.1 to 10 mg per mm of filter length.10. The filter element of claim 8, wherein the at least one of the oneor more flavoring or fragrancing particles comprises an encapsulatedpowder containing 2 to 90% flavorant or fragrance.
 11. The filterelement of claim 8, wherein the at least one of the one or moreflavoring or fragrancing particles is configured to provide a pressuredrop in the filtering element within the range of 10 to 130 mm of water.12. The filter element of claim 1, wherein the at least one filtersegment includes an outer wrapping, the outer wrapping having one ormore visual instructions printed thereon providing instructions forrolling the filter.
 13. The filter element of claim 1, wherein the oneor more flavoring or fragrancing particles are configured to release noflavorant or fragrance until rolling pressure is applied.
 14. The filterelement of claim 1, wherein the one or more flavoring or fragrancingparticles are configured to release a defined initial amount offlavorant or fragrance without an application of rolling pressure, andto increase the amount of flavorant or fragrance released in proportionto the amount of rolling pressure applied.
 15. A method for adjustablyreleasing flavoring or fragrancing particles as part of a smokingexperience, comprising: providing a smoking article having a filteringelement comprising one or more flavoring or fragrancing particlesconfigured to flavor or fragrance aerosol from the smoking article; andcausing one or more of the flavoring or fragrancing particles toadjustably release flavor or fragrance upon receipt of pressure or heatapplied to the at least one filter segment, wherein a quantity of flavoror fragrance released is proportional to an amount of pressure or heatapplied to the at least one filter segment.
 16. A filter element for anaerosol device, the filter comprising: a first filter segment having aplurality of flavorant beads of a first flavorant type; and a secondfilter segment having a second plurality of flavorant beads of a secondflavorant type, wherein the first plurality of flavorant beads and thesecond plurality of flavorant beads are configured to adjustably flavoran aerosol upon receipt of a pressure applied to the first filtersegment or the second filter segment, the pressure being sufficient toactivate the first plurality of flavorant beads or the second pluralityof beads.
 17. The filter element of claim 16, wherein the first andsecond plurality of flavorant beads comprise microencapsulated beads.18. The filter element of claim 16, wherein the first plurality offlavorant beads or the second plurality of flavorant beads areconfigured to adjustably release flavor upon receipt of a pressureapplied through rolling of the first or second filter segment betweenfingers of a smoker.
 19. The filter element of claim 16, wherein thefirst or second plurality of flavorant beads are configured to flavorthe aerosol in direct proportion to the applied pressure.
 20. The filterelement of claim 16, wherein the first or second plurality of flavorantbeads are integrated within fibers of the filter element.
 21. The filterelement of claim 20, wherein the filter element comprises a plug wrap,and wherein the first or second plurality of flavorant beads aredeposited on the surface of the plug wrap.
 22. The filter element ofclaim 20, wherein the filter element comprises a multi-layer plug wrap,and wherein the first or the second plurality of flavorant beads aredeposited between at least a first layer of the multi-layer plug wrapand a second layer of the multi-layer plug wrap.
 23. The filter elementof claim 16, wherein the first or second plurality of flavorant beadseach comprises a shell that is broken to provide adjustable controlledrelease of flavorant.
 24. The filter element of claim 23, wherein theshell comprises an impermeable and breakable shell configured to releasethe flavorant once fully or partially broken in proportion to theapplied pressure.
 25. The filter element of claim 16, wherein the firstor second plurality of flavorant beads comprises menthol flavorant. 26.The filter element of claim 16, wherein the first type of flavorantreacts with the second type of flavorant to release a flavorant to theaerosol.